MIKE CIRAULO CHERISH DESROCHERS LYLE LAMB ......Lyle Lamb, Cherish DesRo-chers and Richard Brown are...
1
Joanna Michaud staff reporter Battle Ground Council Mem- ber Mike Ciraulo, who has served on the council for the past 12 years, is up for re-elec- tion this year and he is being challenged by three citizens new to the political scene. Lyle Lamb, Cherish DesRo- chers and Richard Brown are all vying for Ciraulo’s Position No. 1 on the Battle Ground City Council. The Position No. 1 race is the only of the four Battle Ground City Council races that is on the Aug. 6 Primary Elec- tion ballot. The other three each have just two candidates going head-to-head. Here is some brief informa- tion about each candidate run- ning for Position No. 1 on the Battle Ground City Council: Mike Ciraulo Ciraulo, 49, was irst elected to the council in November 2001 and he is currently serving his third consecutive term. He also served as mayor for two con- secutive two-year terms. He is currently employed as division chief for Clark County Fire & Rescue. He and his wife, Gilda, have two grown sons. Ciraulo said he decided to run for re-election because over the past 12 years, he’s learned a lot about how to implement posi- tive changes for the city. “I think I have a vision for the city and I want to continue to serve,” Ciraulo said. “I’m proud of where the city has gone over the past 12 years and I want to be able to continue some of the positive changes.” As the economy continues to improve, Ciraulo said he be- lieves city oficials need to con- tinue to focus on what the priori- ties of the city are. “I believe a strong iscal policy needs to be continued in regards to building up our re- serves,” he said. “Transportation also needs to be made a priority, we need to alleviate the trafic problems.” Ciraulo said a unique aspect that he brings to the council is the different relationships he has developed over the years at the county, state and federal levels that help bring in outside money. Historically, he said he has been successful generating outside revenue and he believes that needs to continue to be a priority for the entire council. “I think people should vote for me because I have a history of service, both elective and volunteer,” Ciraulo said. “I’ve spent 20 years in the commu- nity and I have always aimed to have the motto ‘service above self.’ It’s been an honor to serve.” Website: www.voteciraulo. com. Cherish DesRochers DesRochers, 30, has lived in Battle Ground since she was 7 years old. She is currently em- ployed with C-TRAN as a pas- senger service representative, where she assists passengers on phone or in person with various transit questions. DesRochers has been with her signiicant other, Brian Vafeados, for al- most eight years. An avid soccer player, Des- Rochers said she currently man- ages a women’s soccer team and plays several times a week. She also enjoys raising chickens, gardening, volunteering around the community and spending time with her family. In addition to wanting to be the voice of the citizens in Bat- tle Ground, DesRochers said she also made the decision to run for city council because she believes this to be an “amazing” opportunity for personal growth that she could not pass up. “Not only is it allowing me personal growth, but I am in- spiring women and youth to be more involved in local politics,” DesRochers said. If elected to the council, DesRochers believes she can inspire more community in- volvement, especially among youth. If elected, she plans to implement a citizen advisory board where individuals in the community will apply to repre- sent their demographic so the council can ensure they are rep- resenting all citizens in Battle Ground. DesRochers pointed out that one of the major differences between her and incumbent Ci- raulo is their views on taxes. “I believe taxes should be considered sacred funds and we should not raise taxes unless it’s for the greater good of the com- munity,” she said. However, DesRochers said she shares Ciraulo’s support of the North Clark County Food Bank, one thing they have in common, and she believes it’s a vital service provided in the community. “I’m working for you,” she said. Website: www.VoteCherish. com. Lyle Lamb Lamb, 38, has been married to his high school sweetheart for 18 years and they have ive children, who range in age from 9-15. He and his family moved to Battle Ground in 2003. Lamb has worked for the U.S. Postal Service for the last 18 years and has been in maintenance man- agement for the last 10 years. Lamb enjoys reading, tinker- ing in the garage and spending time with his family. Lamb said he feels the City of Battle Ground has become ex- pensive to live in and many peo- ple are in dire straits with the ex- panding cost of living and poor job situation. When he couples the economic dificulties with the fact that the city continues to grow the budget while people are struggling, he gets unnerved. “I know there are unfunded mandates and increased regula- tory compliance the city has to deal with, but I feel there must be another way,” Lamb said. Lamb said some of the posi- tive things he feels he would bring to the council include his vision for Battle Ground, which includes managed growth, more business providing living wages and a continued sense of community. Lamb said a difference be- tween he and Ciraulo’s political views is their view on taxes. “I think Mr. Ciraulo and I both want what is best for Bat- tle Ground,” Lamb said. “It’s a question of what is best and how to accomplish it.” Lamb said he would be a good it for the city council. “This will allow me to speak conidently to the issues that af- fect so many citizens, much as my education will allow me to speak competently in defense of the tax and rate payers,” he said. Website: www.lylelamb4bg. com. Richard Brown Brown, 44, is married and has three children. He has lived in Battle Ground for several years and he works as an IT engineer for a major U.S. Corporation. He also founded an online auto- motive parts retail company 15 years ago. As an IT engineer, Brown said he enjoys computer tech- nology and enjoys reading non- iction books and scripture. Brown said that what pushed him to run for a council position was watching the incumbent fail to lead. He said he felt Ciraulo failed to attract investment op- portunities to revitalize Old Town Battle Ground, maintain 20th Avenue, South Parkway and Grace Avenue. Brown said he also feels Ciraulo had oppor- tunities to support a community pool in Battle Ground, but did not do so and also cited that he opposed a proposal by former Council Member Paul Zan- damela regarding a pool. Brown said the inal straw for him came in 2011 when the in- cumbent voted for annexation of The Cedars neighborhood. Brown said the council would beneit from having him as a member because he has leader- ship and management experi- ence in the public and private sectors. He said he has the skills and knowledge to bring entre- preneurs and citizens together to work on strategies to revitalize the city’s economy. “I have met with many busi- ness owners and citizens in our city and I am convinced that in- vesting in the Old Town Battle Ground will boost our city’s economy,” he said. Brown summed up why he would be a good it for the Bat- tle Ground City Council by say- ing he is a leader and a problem solver. “I believe that leadership is about listening, engaging and inspiring others as they inspire me,” he said. “I will bring a new approach to problem solving that will emphasize listening to the voices of the people.” Website: www.brownforbg. com. July 31, 2013 - The Relector - Page A5 Joy ride Joy ride REFI YOUR Columbia auto and RV loans make life better. Right now, you can refinance your auto or RV with rates that are the lowest they’ve been in, well – ever! 2007 and Newer Vehicles 2005 and Newer RVs • Terms up to 72 Months • 125% Financing Available • Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles • Terms up to 120 Months • 105% Financing Available • Max. Loan $50,000 Hurry! This joy ride ends July 31, 2013. 1 APR = Annual Percentage Rate. APR accurate as of 6/28/2013 and is available for 2007 and newer cars, trucks and motorcycles refinanced from elsewhere or private party purchases. Loan Payment Example: On a $20,000 loan at 1.99% APR, you would make 72 monthly payments of $289.40. 2 APR is available for 2005 and newer RVs refinanced from elsewhere or private party purchases. Loan Payment Example: On a $30,000 loan at 3.49% APR, you would make 120 monthly payments of $293.57. APR is based on credit qualification, vehicle year and value, and loan term. Borrowers must meet ability to repay requirements. Columbia Credit Union may offer other rates in the future. Membership required to borrow. Live or work in SW Washington? Join us. Federally insured by NCUA. Apply online Call us Visit Columbiacu.org 360.891.4000 Your nearest branch CONCEAL CARRY PERMIT CLASS Oregon Utah-Valid 34 States Utah/OR: $80.00 Oregon only: $45 360-921-2071 • shauncurtain.com • [email protected] Thursday, Aug. 1 • 1 or 6 pm HEATHMAN LODGE 7801 NE Greenwood Drive, Vancouver (360) 606-3747 formerly Uskoski Seal Coat SEALPL*883P5 Opinion Battle Ground: Your voice matters Mike Dalesandro, candidate for BG City Council, Pos. 5 We should embrace the citizens’ views, not ignore them. The recent ac- tions by our mayor and some members of the Battle Ground City Council have shown to be the exact opposite. At the July 15 meeting, by a 5-1 vote (council member Adrian Cortes be- ing the lone voice of the dissent), Battle Ground City Council rushed the passage of a change in governance rules, in which now the mayor will no longer be directly elected by fellow council members. In- stead, the deputy mayor will be chosen by council members and will automatically advance to the mayor position in two years without a follow-up vote of approval. This insulates the mayor-in-waiting from the public ideals of democracy and proving one’s worth to earn that promotion. Perhaps what’s most disturbing is the process by which this resolution was passed. Typically, the City Council uses a “three touch rule” which calls for them to bring a resolution back three times for review and to take pub- lic comment before voting. The “three touch rule” didn’t happen on this resolution, even after council members came to general con- sensus it would at the June meeting. We are left asking why the rush to change how we choose our mayor without following normal council procedure and engaging the public? In a recent Relec- tor editorial, Ken Vance said, “the policy wreaks of backroom politics.” One would think after the lack of transparency and accountability recently displayed by the failed leadership of the Battle Ground School District Board of Directors, our council members wouldn’t go down the same road. We can do better. Battle Ground is a wonderfully-diverse community made up of citizens who care about our quality of life and the future of their community. These individu- als inspire me to want to serve Battle Ground and to help bring their voices into the process of local gover- nance. As a can- didate for Battle Ground City Council, I am challenging the mayor for a seat on council. If elected, I will propose re-engaging our community with regular town halls. I will always support pub- lic interaction and comment. We deserve an open and accessible city government held accountable by the people of Battle Ground. Your voice matters. Feel free to contact me anytime at (360) 601-2840 or visit my website for more information (www.MikeForBattleGround.com). Three candidates challenge Ciraulo in BG race MIKE CIRAULO CHERISH DESROCHERS LYLE LAMB RICHARD BROWN For More Election News, See Page A11
Transcript of MIKE CIRAULO CHERISH DESROCHERS LYLE LAMB ......Lyle Lamb, Cherish DesRo-chers and Richard Brown are...
Joanna Michaud staff reporter
Battle Ground Council Mem-ber Mike Ciraulo, who has served on the council for the past 12 years, is up for re-elec-tion this year and he is being challenged by three citizens new to the political scene. Lyle Lamb, Cherish DesRo-chers and Richard Brown are all vying for Ciraulo’s Position No. 1 on the Battle Ground City Council. The Position No. 1 race is the only of the four Battle Ground City Council races that is on the Aug. 6 Primary Elec-tion ballot. The other three each have just two candidates going head-to-head. Here is some brief informa-tion about each candidate run-ning for Position No. 1 on the Battle Ground City Council:
Mike Ciraulo Ciraulo,49,wasirstelectedto the council in November 2001 and he is currently serving his third consecutive term. He also served as mayor for two con-secutive two-year terms. He is currently employed as division chief for Clark County Fire & Rescue. He and his wife, Gilda, have two grown sons. Ciraulo said he decided to run for re-election because over the past 12 years, he’s learned a lot about how to implement posi-tive changes for the city. “I think I have a vision for the city and I want to continue to serve,” Ciraulo said. “I’m proud of where the city has gone over the past 12 years and I want to be able to continue some of the positive changes.” As the economy continues to improve, Ciraulo said he be-lievescityoficialsneedtocon-tinue to focus on what the priori-ties of the city are. “I believe a strong iscalpolicy needs to be continued in regards to building up our re-serves,” he said. “Transportation also needs to be made a priority, we need to alleviate the traficproblems.” Ciraulo said a unique aspect that he brings to the council is the different relationships he has developed over the years at the county, state and federal levels that help bring in outside money. Historically, he said he has been successful generating outside revenue and he believes that needs to continue to be a priority for the entire council. “I think people should vote for me because I have a history of service, both elective and volunteer,” Ciraulo said. “I’ve spent 20 years in the commu-nity and I have always aimed to have the motto ‘service above self.’ It’s been an honor to serve.” Website: www.voteciraulo.com.
Cherish DesRochers DesRochers, 30, has lived in Battle Ground since she was 7 years old. She is currently em-ployed with C-TRAN as a pas-senger service representative, where she assists passengers on phone or in person with various transit questions. DesRochers has been with her signiicantother, Brian Vafeados, for al-most eight years. An avid soccer player, Des-Rochers said she currently man-ages a women’s soccer team and plays several times a week. She also enjoys raising chickens, gardening, volunteering around the community and spending time with her family. In addition to wanting to be the voice of the citizens in Bat-tle Ground, DesRochers said she also made the decision to run for city council because she believes this to be an “amazing” opportunity for personal growth that she could not pass up. “Not only is it allowing me personal growth, but I am in-spiring women and youth to be more involved in local politics,” DesRochers said. If elected to the council, DesRochers believes she can inspire more community in-volvement, especially among youth. If elected, she plans to implement a citizen advisory board where individuals in the community will apply to repre-sent their demographic so the council can ensure they are rep-resenting all citizens in Battle Ground. DesRochers pointed out that one of the major differences between her and incumbent Ci-raulo is their views on taxes. “I believe taxes should be considered sacred funds and we should not raise taxes unless it’s for the greater good of the com-
munity,” she said. However, DesRochers said she shares Ciraulo’s support of the North Clark County Food Bank, one thing they have in common, and she believes it’s a vital service provided in the community. “I’m working for you,” she said. Website: www.VoteCherish.com.
Lyle Lamb Lamb, 38, has been married to his high school sweetheart for18yearsand theyhaveivechildren, who range in age from 9-15. He and his family moved to Battle Ground in 2003. Lamb has worked for the U.S. Postal Service for the last 18 years and has been in maintenance man-agement for the last 10 years. Lamb enjoys reading, tinker-ing in the garage and spending time with his family. Lamb said he feels the City of Battle Ground has become ex-pensive to live in and many peo-ple are in dire straits with the ex-panding cost of living and poor job situation. When he couples the economic dificulties withthe fact that the city continues to grow the budget while people are struggling, he gets unnerved. “I know there are unfunded mandates and increased regula-tory compliance the city has to deal with, but I feel there must be another way,” Lamb said. Lamb said some of the posi-tive things he feels he would bring to the council include his vision for Battle Ground, which includes managed growth, more business providing living wages and a continued sense of community. Lamb said a difference be-tween he and Ciraulo’s political views is their view on taxes. “I think Mr. Ciraulo and I both want what is best for Bat-tle Ground,” Lamb said. “It’s a question of what is best and how to accomplish it.” Lamb said he would be a gooditforthecitycouncil. “This will allow me to speak conidentlytotheissuesthataf-fect so many citizens, much as my education will allow me to speak competently in defense of the tax and rate payers,” he said. Website: www.lylelamb4bg.com.
Richard Brown Brown, 44, is married and has three children. He has lived in Battle Ground for several years and he works as an IT engineer for a major U.S. Corporation. He also founded an online auto-motive parts retail company 15 years ago. As an IT engineer, Brown said he enjoys computer tech-nology and enjoys reading non-ictionbooksandscripture. Brown said that what pushed him to run for a council position was watching the incumbent fail to lead. He said he felt Ciraulo failed to attract investment op-portunities to revitalize Old Town Battle Ground, maintain 20th Avenue, South Parkway and Grace Avenue. Brown said he also feels Ciraulo had oppor-tunities to support a community pool in Battle Ground, but did not do so and also cited that he opposed a proposal by former Council Member Paul Zan-damela regarding a pool. Brownsaidtheinalstrawforhim came in 2011 when the in-cumbent voted for annexation of The Cedars neighborhood. Brown said the council would beneit from having him as amember because he has leader-ship and management experi-ence in the public and private sectors. He said he has the skills and knowledge to bring entre-preneurs and citizens together to work on strategies to revitalize the city’s economy. “I have met with many busi-ness owners and citizens in our
city and I am convinced that in-vesting in the Old Town Battle Ground will boost our city’s
economy,” he said. Brown summed up why he wouldbeagooditfortheBat-
tle Ground City Council by say-ing he is a leader and a problem solver.
“I believe that leadership is about listening, engaging and inspiring others as they inspire me,” he said. “I will bring a new approach to problem solving that will emphasize listening to the voices of the people.” Website: www.brownforbg.com.
July 31, 2013 - The Relector - Page A5
Joy rideJoy rideREFI YOUR
Columbia auto and RV loans make life better.Right now, you can refi nance your auto or RV with rates that are the lowest they’ve been in, well – ever!
2007 and Newer Vehicles 2005 and Newer RVs
• Terms up to 72 Months• 125% Financing Available• Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles
• Terms up to 120 Months• 105% Financing Available• Max. Loan $50,000
Hurry! This joy ride ends July 31, 2013.
1APR = Annual Percentage Rate. APR accurate as of 6/28/2013 and is available for 2007 and newer cars, trucks and motorcycles refi nanced from elsewhere or private party purchases. Loan Payment Example: On a $20,000 loan at 1.99% APR, you would make 72 monthly payments of $289.40. 2APR is available for 2005 and newer RVs refi nanced from elsewhere or private party purchases. Loan Payment Example: On a $30,000 loan at 3.49% APR, you would make 120 monthly payments of $293.57.
APR is based on credit qualifi cation, vehicle year and value, and loan term. Borrowers must meet ability to repay requirements. Columbia Credit Union may o� er other rates in the future. Membership required to borrow.
Live or work in SW Washington? Join us. Federally insured by NCUA.
Apply online Call us Visit
Columbiacu.org 360.891.4000 Your nearest branch
CONCEAL CARRY
PERMIT CLASS
Oregon
Utah-Valid 34 StatesUtah/OR: $80.00Oregon only: $45
360-921-2071 • shauncurtain.com • [email protected]
Thursday, Aug. 1 • 1 or 6 pmHEATHMAN LODGE
7801 NE Greenwood Drive, Vancouver (360) 606-3747formerly Uskoski Seal Coat S
EALPL*883P5
Opinion
Battle Ground: Your voice mattersMike Dalesandro, candidate for BG City Council, Pos. 5
We should embrace the citizens’ views, not ignore them. The recent ac-tions by our mayor and some members of the Battle Ground City Council have shown to be the exact opposite. At the July 15 meeting, by a 5-1 vote (council member Adrian Cortes be-ing the lone voice of the dissent), Battle Ground City Council rushed the passage of a change in governance rules, in which now the mayor will no longer be directly elected by fellow council members. In-stead, the deputy mayor will be chosen by council members and will automatically advance to the mayor position in two years without a follow-up vote of approval. This insulates the mayor-in-waiting from the public ideals of democracy and proving one’s worth to earn that promotion. Perhaps what’s most disturbing is the process by
which this resolution was passed. Typically, the City Council uses a “three touch rule” which calls for them to bring a resolution back three times for review and to take pub-lic comment before voting. The “three touch rule” didn’t happen on this resolution, even after council members came to general con-sensus it would at the June meeting. We are left asking why the rush to change how we choose our mayor without following normal council procedure and engaging the public? In a recentRelec-tor editorial, Ken Vance said, “the policy wreaks of backroom politics.” One would think after the lack of transparency and accountability recently displayed by the failed leadership of the Battle Ground School District Board of Directors, our council members wouldn’t go down the same road. We can do better. Battle Ground is a wonderfully-diverse community made up of citizens who care about our quality of life and the future of
their community. These individu-als inspire me to want to serve Battle Ground and to help bring their voices into the process of local gover-nance. As a can-didate for Battle Ground City Council, I am challenging the mayor for a seat on council. If elected, I will propose re-engaging our community with regular town halls. I will always support pub-lic interaction and comment. We deserve an open and accessible city government held accountable by the people of Battle Ground. Your voice matters. Feel free to contact me anytime at (360) 601-2840 or visit my website for more information (www.MikeForBattleGround.com).
Three candidates challenge Ciraulo in BG race
MIKE CIRAULO CHERISH DESROCHERS LYLE LAMB RICHARD BROWN
For MoreElection
News,See
Page A11
